Lil Nas X shares update after getting mental health care: ‘There’s less fear in my heart’ | US news
Lil Nas X announced in a Wednesday Instagram video that he spent several months in rehab following a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The update follows a legal agreement where Judge Alan Schneider allowed the musician to enter a mental health diversion program to address felony charges stemming from a confrontation with Los Angeles police.
Why did Lil Nas X enter rehab and announce a bipolar diagnosis?
In a nearly three-minute clip, the artist, born Montero Lamar Hill, told followers he has been in rehab for a few months. He stated that he now works with a therapist and a psychiatrist, which he described as “really helpful.”
Hill admitted he suspected he had bipolar disorder for a few years but avoided the diagnosis because he did not want to take medication or have people think differently of him. He joked that he had been “living life on extreme hard mode” but now feels he is “creating freely” with “less fear” in his heart.
What led to the musician’s legal charges in Los Angeles?
The announcement follows an August incident in LA’s San Fernando Valley. Los Angeles police reported that Hill was walking nude down a street—wearing only white boots and white briefs in some footage—and charged at officers who responded to the call.
Authorities alleged the encounter resulted in injuries to three officers. Hill was arrested and briefly hospitalized for a suspected overdose before spending three days in jail. He was released on $75,000 bail with the condition that he attend drug treatment.
Hill pleaded not guilty to one count of resisting an executive officer and three counts of battery with injury on a police officer. In an initial Instagram video following the arrest, he described the experience as “terrifying.”
What happens next with the mental health diversion program?
Judge Alan Schneider approved Hill’s entry into a mental health diversion program two months ago. The court determined the police encounter was an aberration caused by Hill’s bipolar disorder.
If Hill obeys all laws and adheres to his treatment program for two years, the four felony counts against him could be dismissed. He has since returned to his residences in Los Angeles and his family home in Atlanta.
Will Lil Nas X release new music soon?
Hill confirmed near the end of his Wednesday video that “there is new music on the way.” He told fans he wants to continue making them and himself proud.
The Atlanta-raised artist is known for the 2021 studio album Montero, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and earned an album of the year Grammy nomination. Other chart-topping hits include “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lil Nas X arrested in Los Angeles?
Police alleged he was walking nude in the San Fernando Valley and charged at officers, resulting in injuries to three officers.
What is the condition for his charges to be dismissed?
He must obey all laws and stick to his mental health treatment program for two years.
What diagnosis did Lil Nas X share?
He publicly disclosed that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
How do you feel about public figures using their platforms to discuss mental health diagnoses and recovery?